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Prevalence and predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder among Yazidi women: a cross-sectional study in the Kurdistan region of Iraq

Lourd H. Hanna
Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.
Namir G. Al-Tawil
Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Lourd H. Hanna, Namir G. Al-Tawil (Author)

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Abstract

Background and objective: The Yazidi community, an ethno-religious minority in Iraq, was severely affected by the 2014 ISIS attacks, which led to mass killings, abductions, and widespread psychological trauma. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and severity of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among Yazidi women in the context of ISIS-related violence.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, where 300 women were chosen among those who were displaced from Sinjar during the 2014 ISIS attacks and currently residing in Shariya IDP Camp, and 300 women from the long-term residents of Shariya Complex in Duhok Governorate, who were not directly exposed to ISIS violence. Data were collected through structured interviews addressing demographics, socioeconomic characteristics, trauma exposure and conflict-related experiences, mental health history, and support systems. PTSD symptoms were assessed using the Impact of Event Scale–Revised (IES-R).

Results: Severe PTSD symptoms were reported by 73.3% of participants, with significantly higher rates among IDP camp residents (88.7%) compared to non- directly exposed residents (58.0%) (P <0.001). PTSD severity was significantly associated with displacement (P <0.001), captivity (P <0.001), sexual and physical violence (P <0.001), current residence (P <0.001), illiteracy (P <0.001), number of children (P = 0.005) and marital status (P = 0.015). Access to mental health services showed limited impact, with major barriers including unavailability, stigma, and low awareness. Moreover, displacement due to ISIS, low educational level and number of children were identified as predictors of PTSD as analyzed using binary logistical regression among the studied covariates.

Conclusion: PTSD remains alarmingly prevalent among Yazidi women, even 11 years after the 2014 genocide. Prevalence is notably higher among displaced multiparous women and increases with lower levels of education. Elevated symptoms are also observed among women who were not directly exposed to the violence, suggesting the presence of vicarious and intergenerational trauma.

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How to Cite
Hanna, L., & G. Al-Tawil , N. (2026). Prevalence and predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder among Yazidi women: a cross-sectional study in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Zanco Journal of Medical Sciences (ZJMS), 30(2), 299–316. https://doi.org/10.15218/zjms.2026.021

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